Tower of Power band members recovering after train accident
This August 2016 shows the band members from Tower of Power, from left, Rocco Prestia, Roger Smith, Sal Cracchiolo, Adolfo Acosta, Stephen “Doc” Kupka, Marcus Scott, Tom E. Politzer, Emilio Castillo, David Garibaldi, and Jerry Cortez. Two members of Tower of Power, a group that has been an R&B institution for nearly 50 years, were hit by a train Thursday night, Jan. 12, 2017, as they walked across tracks before a scheduled gig in their hometown of Oakland, California, but both survived, their manager said. Calling it an “unfortunate accident,” manager Jeremy Westby said in a statement that drummer Garibaldi and bass player Marc van Wageningen (not pictured) are “responsive and being treated at a local hospital.” (Photo from Tower of Power/Webster Public Relations via AP)
OAKLAND, California — Authorities say two musicians with the band Tower of Power remain hospitalized after being hit last week by an Amtrak train in Oakland.
The East Bay Times reports that drummer Dave Garibaldi is in fair condition but will remain hospitalized for the next few days, according to a statement from the band. Garibaldi suffered head and facial injuries last Thursday night.
Bassist Marc Van Wageningen remains in critical condition, but has been responsive. Van Wageningen suffered broken ribs, a concussion, and internal injuries. He underwent surgery.
Fans of the funk/R&B band have raised nearly $100,000 to help with medical expenses. The musicians were heading to a performance at an Oakland nightclub when they were hit by the train near Jack London Square.
